School of Art and Design Alumni Exhibition 2021

Wellington B. Gray Gallery

Dustin Robertson
Graduated 2002

At the age of eleven, I was introduced to the works of Salvador Dali, on display at the local museum of art. At first sight, I was awed by the magnificence of the brush stroke, the blending of color, the placement of the composition, and the provocative imagery. The inspirational elements I witnessed there were the catalyst for a way of seeing and feeling that I had never experienced before. I began a fascination and a formal respect for the work of the Surrealist, spending hours entranced with their way of morphing objects into others, their warm and provocative presentation of the nude, and their imagery and subconscious interpretations. Not understanding at such a young age the meaning of the “surreal” or even “subconscious,” I began the journey of creating style, presence, and depth within my own work in simple attempts of creating that which the Surrealist mastered so well.

Through obtaining my BFA in 2002 at ECU, I began the exploration of what awesome power we hold within our minds. Having established the foundations of human creativity and technical skill, delving into the beginnings of conceptual based work and the formal introduction into the study of psychoanalysis, Through my hands I could formulate a direct narrative between the conscious and the subconscious, forming imagery and forms that expressed my interpretations of the human condition. Pushing the limits of the human psyche to view this condition with an autonomous eye; liberating the mind of social and environmental constraints allowing ourselves to hear the voice of purity. Meditation, elements of water, blue tones, and music all help generate an environment that is conducive for my creativity. I labeled my style “fluidic creation,” a process of allowing my inner psyche and the hand to work in unison, to create works which interplay color, form, abstraction, and the visual translation of the subconscious.

I often use the phrase “Create from Within” to portray the essence of these creations. Visions are transformed into a reality through the uniting of mind, body and soul. This process enters the sacred realm of the subconscious and allows autonomous creation to take life and provide meaning through the visual venues of form and design. Awakening the inner creative soul, manipulating media into a voice of fluid thought.

Having obtained my MFA in 2006 I have developed a respect for my profession and a visual body of work, which radiates the essence of who I truly am. The respect, my style, and creating from within ultimately enrich my experience as an artist, producing the inner creations of my being and allowing those around me to experience the person within far beyond the persona without.

In 2003 I began a journey which would become an equally rewarding and enriching experience. Becoming a professor of fine art I discovered the energy and dynamics between teacher and student as a guide to the inner creativity of one’s self, as well a resource for support and inspiration to aspiring artist. This path has taken me from the University and College level, to community and regional public workshops and mentoring, to unforeseen pursuits in private consulting for post-traumatic stress resolutions. Having received the offering and ability to share the world of art to those whom may have never experienced their inner voice and expression is a gift indeed. One which I am passionate and privileged to call my profession.

At the age of 40 I chose to leave my residence in Charlotte NC, to pursue my life dream of waking each day surrounded by my greatest source of inspiration and inner peace. In 2014 I moved to Cocoa Beach Florida where I found a community appreciative of this inner peace, relaxed lifestyle, and awareness of natural and spiritual beauty.

Emergence, Wood, Enamel, Water, Porcelain, 71″ x 12″ x 12″, 2021